Micro-nano Particle Research Articles

Intensity- and time-based strategies for micro/nano-sizing via single-particle ICP-mass spectrometry: A comparative assessment using Au and SiO2 as model particles

BackgroundSingle-particle ICP-mass spectrometry (SP-ICP-MS) is a powerful method for micro/nano-particle (MNP) sizing. Despite the outstanding evolution of the technique in the last decade, most studies still rely on traditional approaches based on (1) the use of integrated intensity as the analytical signal and (2) the calculation of the transport efficiency (TE). However, the increasing availability of MNP standards and advancements in hardware and software have unveiled new venues for MNP sizing, including TE-independent and time-based approaches. This work systematically examines these different methodologies to identify and summarize their strengths and weaknesses, thus helping to determine their preferred application areas. ResultsDifferent SP-ICP-MS methods for MNP sizing were assessed using AuNPs (20–70 nm) and SiO2MNPs (100–1000 nm). Among TE-dependent approaches, the particle frequency method was characterized by larger uncertainties than the particle size method. The results of the latter were dependent on the appropriate selection of the reference MNP, making the use of multiple reference MNPs recommended. TE-independent methods were based on external (linear and polynomial) calibrations and a relative approach. These methods exhibited the lowest uncertainties of all the strategies evaluated. External calibrations benefited from simpler calculations, but their application could be hindered by a lack of reference MNPs within the desired size range or by the need for interpolations outside the calibration range. Finally, transit time signals are directly proportional to the MNP size rather than its mass. The time-based method demonstrated adequate performance for sizing AuNPs but failed when sizing the largest SiO2MNPs (1000 nm). Significance and noveltyThis work provides further insights into the application of different SP-ICP-MS methodologies for MNP sizing. Both TE-independent approaches and the monitoring of the transit time as the analytical signal are underused strategies; in this context, a Python script was developed for accurate transit time measurement. After 20 years of development, a quantitative comparison of the different methodologies, including the most novel approaches, is deemed necessary for further growth on solid theoretical ground.

AQAFI: a bioanalytical method for automated KPIs quantification of fluorescent images of human leukocytes and micro-nano particles.

Micro-nanoparticle and leukocyte imaging find significant applications in the areas of infectious disease diagnostics, cellular therapeutics, and biomanufacturing. Portable fluorescence microscopes have been developed for these measurements, however, quantitative assessment of the quality of images (micro-nanoparticles, and leukocytes) captured using these devices remains a challenge. Here, we present a novel method for automated quality assessment of fluorescent images (AQAFI) captured using smartphone fluorescence microscopes (SFM). AQAFI utilizes novel feature extraction methods to identify and measure multiple features of interest in leukocyte and micro-nanoparticle images. For validation of AQAFI, fluorescent particles of different diameters (8.3, 2, 1, 0.8 μm) were imaged using custom-designed SFM at a range of excitation voltages (3.8-4.5 V). Particle intensity, particle vicinity intensity, and image background noise were chosen as analytical parameters of interest and measured by the AQAFI algorithm. A control method was developed by manual calculation of these parameters using ImageJ which was subsequently used to validate the performance of the AQAFI method. For micro-nanoparticle images, correlation coefficients with R2 > 0.95 were obtained for each parameter of interest while comparing AQAFI vs. control (ImageJ). Subsequently, key performance indicators (KPIs) i.e., signal difference to noise ratio (SDNR) and contrast to noise ratio (CNR) were defined and calculated for these micro-nano particle images using both AQAFI and control methods. Finally, we tested the performance of the AQAFI method on the fluorescent images of human peripheral blood leukocytes captured using our custom SFM. Correlation coefficients of R2 = 0.99 were obtained for each parameter of interest (leukocyte intensity, vicinity intensity, background noise) calculated using AQAFI and control (ImageJ). A high correlation was also found between the CNR and SDNR values calculated using both methods. The developed AQAFI method thus presents an automated and precise way to quantify and assess the quality of fluorescent images (micro-nano particles and leukocytes) captured using portable SFMs. Similarly, this study finds broader applicability and can also be employed with benchtop microscopes for the quantitative assessment of their imaging performance.

Kinematic Modes Identification and Its Intelligent Control of Micro-Nano Particle Manipulated by Acoustic Signal

In this paper, the dynamics of a micro-nano particle on the micro-thin plate driven by an acoustic signal was investigated, including the particle kinematics mode, kinematics equation, and trajectory control. According to Newton’s kinematic theorem, analyzing the forces acting on the particle, the kinematic modes of the driven particle are distinguished with specific mathematical conditions, which are classified as slide, bounce, and stable modes strictly planned on a thin plate area. Based on the theory of kinematic modal analysis, the simulation results reveal the distribution rules of particle motion modes against the driving signal or plate geometry. The particle kinematics equation governing the sliding movement on the thin plate was then derived in light of the interaction between the particle and driving signal, based on which, the particle trajectory was drawn and analyzed in detail. For the purpose of controlling the particle trajectory, the control problem was designed in accordance with a linear active disturbance rejection controller (LADRC). Further, a guidance law was proposed, and the corresponding controller was designed to realize the linear trajectory following.

Side-Hole Microstructured Optical Fiber Integrative Twin-Microchannels for Optofluidic Sensing

Microstructured optical fiber (MOF) possesses unique capability of long interaction path-length between light and analyte samples, which shows distinct advantages in constructing in-line optofluidic sensing microchannel. In this paper, a side-hole MOF integrative twin-microchannels is proposed and experimentally demonstrated for optofluidic sensing application. The structure of in-line optofluidic microchannel consists of a side-hole MOF sandwiched between two sections of pre-processed microfiber, which is fabricated by utilizing ultrasonic vibration cutting and arc discharge splicing technology. For the optofluidic MOF, two microfluidic accesses allow liquids to flow in/out the cladding hollow holes, and enable optical waveguide signals to transmit through the microchannels simultaneously. Experimental results show that the optofluidic MOF achieves a sensing sensitivity of 1309.994 nm/RIU in the low refractive index (RI) range. Moreover, the proposed microfluidic approach provides an efficient strategy for solid-core-type MOF to load fluid liquids into their cross-sectional air holes for the study of light-matter interaction. Owing to the features of enhanced sensing performance and simplified microfluidic-system design, the side-hole MOF integrative twin-microchannels is well suitable for a wide range of optical sensing, filtering, bioimaging and micro-nano particle manipulation.

Structural Characteristics of Micro-nano Particle Size Biochar and Its Adsorption Mechanism for Cd2

The aim of this study was to investigate the structural characteristics of biochar with different micro/nano particle sizes and its effect on the adsorption performance of Cd2+. Corn stalk biochar with different particle sizes (180-250 μm, 50-75 μm, and ≤ 20 μm, denoted as BC-1, BC-2, and BC-3, respectively) were prepared using the sieving and ball milling method. The structural properties of different particle sizes of biochar were analyzed via elemental analysis, laser particle size analysis, SEM, BET, FTIR, and XPS. Additionally, the adsorption mechanisms of Cd2+ by three particle sizes of biochar under initial Cd2+ concentrations, adsorption times, and pH conditions were comparatively studied using static adsorption experiments. The results showed that with the decrease in particle size, the pH and zeta potential of biochar were reduced; the aromaticity and polarity decreased; the specific surface area and pore volume increased; and the intensity of the characteristic peaks containing OH, C[FY=,1]C/C[FY=,1]O, and C-O groups increased. The adsorption kinetics of Cd2+ with different particle diameters of biochar were in accordance with the pseudo-secondary kinetic model, with chemisorption dominating. The equilibrium times were in the decreasing order of BC-1 (540 min)>BC-2 (360 min)>BC-3 (80 min). The Langmuir model could better fit the adsorption isotherm process of Cd2+ on biochar of different particle sizes (R2>0.97), and the maximum adsorption capacity of Cd2+ increased with the decrease in particle size, which was expressed as BC-3 (74.43 mg·g-1)>BC-2 (45.71 mg·g-1)>BC-1 (44.59 mg·g-1). The main mechanisms of Cd2+adsorption by biochar were electrostatic attraction, surface complexation, and cation-π interaction.

In situ formation of MnO2/Ni(OH)2@nickel foam with porous architecture for triggering persulfate-based advanced oxidation process

MnO2/Ni(OH)2 was grown in situ on three-dimensional nickel foam (NF), which was then used to activate potassium persulfate (PS) for orange II (OII) degradation. The structure and morphology of the prepared materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The removal efficiency of OII was 98.68% with MnO2/Ni(OH)2@NF/PS system in 40 min. The three-dimensional hierarchical structure of mesoporous material promoted the efficient and fast electron transfer during catalytic activity. Based on classical quenching experiments and the electron spin resonance experiments, ·OH and SO4·− were identified as the active species in MnO2/Ni(OH)2/NF/PS system for OII degradation and a degradation mechanism was proposed for this system. Compared with traditional micro-nano particle catalysts, 3D MnO2/Ni(OH)2@NF has the advantages of convenient recovery and good stability. MnO2/Ni(OH)2@NF catalyst could be recycled for at least three times, and the degradation rate was 89.06% after three cycles. This MnO2/Ni(OH)2@NF is expected to be used as a green heterogeneous catalyst.

Research on Improving the Partial Discharge Initial Voltage of SiC/EP Composites by Utilizing Filler Surface Modification and Nanointerface Interaction.

SiC/EP composites are promising insulating materials due to their high thermal conductivity, stable chemical properties, and nonlinear electrical conductivity. However, the compatibility of micron-sized SiC particles with the organic polymer matrix is poor, and defects such as air gaps may be introduced at the interface, which reduces the partial discharge resistance of the composite materials. In order to improve the partial discharge initial voltage (PDIV) of SiC/EP composites, in this paper, SiC/EP composites with different proportions were prepared by surface modification of filler and compound of micro/nano particles. Firstly, a method of secondary modification of SiC particles was proposed, which was first modified by alkali washing and then silane coupling agent KH560, and the effectiveness of the modification was verified. Therefore, the interface bonding ability between the filler and the matrix was improved, the air gap defects at the interface were reduced, and the PDIV of the composite material was improved. When the filling ratio is 10 wt%, the PDIV was enhanced by 13.75%, and when the filling ratio was further increased, the improvement was reduced. In contrast, the introduction of nanoparticles into the composites can effectively improve the PDIV of composite materials. In this study, nanoparticles were used to form a shell-core structure in epoxy resins to exert their huge specific surface area and active surface properties, thereby changing the overall crosslinking properties of the composites. Through experimental research, the optimal micro-nano particle compounding ratio was explored. Under the optimal mixing ratio, the PDIV of the composite material can be increased by more than 90%.

Implementation of flexible virtual microchannels based on optically induced dielectrophoresis

Micro-nano particle manipulation methods in liquid environments have been widely used in the fields such as medicine, biology and material science. Nevertheless, the methods usually rely on pre-prepared physical microfluidic channels. In this work, virtual electrodes based on the optically induced dielectrophoresis (ODEP) method were used as virtual microchannels instead of traditional physical microfluidic channels. Virtual microchannels with different shapes were implemented by the designs of projected light patterns, which made the virtual microchannels have great flexibility and controllability. The theory of ODEP was verified by simulation and analysis of electric field distributions. The relationship between the manipulation force and the alternating current (AC) voltage or the AC frequency exerted on the cells was assessed. The experimental results indicated that the manipulation force was increased with the increase of the AC voltage, and it was reduced with the increase of the AC frequency. Moreover, different virtual microchannels were designed to carry out the transportation, aggregation and sorting of yeast cells and rat basophilic leukemia cells (RBL-2H3 cells) and the survival rate of the cells was evaluated. This work shows that the virtual microchannels can be flexibly realized by ODEP in liquid environments.

The effect of micro-nano TKX-50 particle gradation on the properties of TNT based castable explosives

ABSTRACT Dihydroxylammonium 5,5′-bistetrazole-1,1′-diolate (TKX-50) is an energetic ionic salt that has many advantages over conventional explosives, including high detonation speed, high energy, and low toxicity. Although the properties of TKX-50 have been explored in many aspects, TKX-50/2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) based melt cast explosives are not yet reported. Herein, this work investigated the application of TKX-50 in melt cast explosives by using TNT as the dispersant and TKX-50 as the high-energy component. The effect of micro-and nano-sized TKX-50 particles on the properties of the castable explosives was investigated. The TKX-50-based castable explosives were characterized through scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, differential scanning calorimetry, velocity of detonation measurement, and vacuum stability testing. Moreover, ProCAST, a finite element casting simulation software, was used to study the temperature field changes and predict the locations of defects generated during the solidification process of melt cast explosives, and the simulated results are consistent with the experimental results. Hence, this work provided a new prospect of micro-and nano-sized TKX-50 particles in castable explosives.

Preparation of lignin-based mesoporous biochar nano- and microparticles, and their adsorption properties for hexavalent chromium

The removal performance and mechanism of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution was studied for a novel micro-nano particle kraft lignin biochar (BC) pyrolyzed at 400 to 700 °C. The physicochemical properties of BC were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms. The results illustrated that the BC had irregular micro- and nanoparticles with abundant pore structure and high BET surface area (111.1 m2/g). The FT-IR results showed that the lower pyrolysis temperature resulted in more oxygen-containing functional groups. The Cr(VI) adsorption capacity decreased with the pyrolysis temperature increasing from 400 to 700 °C, and the maximum percentage removal of Cr(VI) for BC obtained at 400 °C was 100% at pH 2, which suggested that the removal efficiency was mainly dependent on functional groups. Kinetic analysis demonstrated that Cr(VI) adsorption on BC fit well to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The adsorption data was well fitted with the Langmuir isotherm models, and the maximum adsorption capacity was 37.2 mg/g at 298K. The BC could be reused twice with Cr(VI) removal of 63.91% and was suitable for Cr(VI) contaminated waste-water treatment.

Risks and phyto-uptake of micro-nano size particulates bound with potentially toxic metals in Pb-contaminated alkaline soil (NW China): The role of particle size fractions

The fate and risk in the environment of potentially toxic metals (PTMs) pollutants depends on the size-fractions of contaminated soil. In this study, the variable micro-nano size-fractions of 50–250 μm, 5–50 μm, 1–5 μm, <1 μm in long-term Pb-contaminated alkaline soil (NW China) were obtained by Sequential Wet Sieving Separation Procedure (SWSSP). The chemical speciation, mobility and risk of PTMs in micro-nano particle fractions as well as their uptaken and translocation in Maize (Zea mays L.) plant were systematically determined. The results demonstrated that higher accumulation of both investigated PTMs was observed in the fine fractions of <1 μm. The metallic Pb predominantly occurred in all size-fractions (65%–86%) identified by XPS, and the reducible forms of lead oxide (Ⅱ,Ⅳ) would also likely preferred to enrich in the fine fraction of <1 μm. The mobility and bioaccessibility of PTMs in fine fraction of <1 μm were higher than other fractions, which were identified by the multi-indices, enrichment factor (EF), accumulation factor (AF), mobility factor (MF), potential ecological risk index of single metal (Eri) and the comprehensive potential ecological risk index (RI). The scenario for phyto-uptake of Pb and Cu in <1 μm soil nanoparticles under pot tests indicated that the Pb and Cu enriched in <1 μm with high ecological risk were inclined to translocate into the Maize roots and shoots with nano size fractions. The results implied that further environmental management should be needed in order to prevent the risk of PTMs from Pb-bearing micro-nano size fractions in the industrial contaminated alkaline soil.

Comparison of micro and nano MgO-functionalized vinasse biochar in phosphate removal: Micro-nano particle development, RSM optimization, and potential fertilizer

The present study is conducted to synthesize vinasse-derived biochar, followed by modification with Micro and Nano MgO in an attempt to assess their effects on the phosphate (P) removal from aqueous medium. Based on the characterization results of modified biochars and adsorption capacities, Nano-MgO Functionalized ones have proven to be more capable in P removal, with the specific surface areas of 119.98–125.41 m2/g and maximum P adsorption capacity of 188.67 mg/g. The dependencies of adsorption on initial P concentration (50–350 mg/L), contact time (5–90 min), and solution pH level (3–11) were investigated by 20 experiments designed via CCD-based RSM. The regression analysis showed a good fit of the experimental data to the second-order polynomial model with coefficient of determination (R2) value of 0.9916 and model F-value of 131.82. The optimum conditions of pH (7.00), contact time (75 min), and initial P concentration (250 mg/L) were recorded from desirability function. Based on the thermodynamic analysis, the adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic in nature. In addition, the isotherm and kinetic studies indicated that the Freundlich and the pseudo-second order are the best fitted models for the P adsorption. Further, the P removal efficiency declined slightly in the presence of other co-existed anions, while acted relatively selective towards P. Finally, the P-loaded biochar could be properly regenerated by 1.0 M HCl solution, and the pot experiments proved its applicability as a P fertilizer substitute, increasing the plant growth rate – averagely, the height by 40 % and the dry mass by 59 %.

Micro-nano particle formation and transformation mechanisms of broth in meat braised processing

The formation and transformation mechanisms of micro-nano particles (MNPs) in broth during meat braising were systematically investigated through a sophisticated controlled process. Dynamic changes in the morphology, composition and spatial distribution of MNPs were comprehensively characterized, and subsequently the mechanisms were visually uncovered from microcosmic-spatial perspectives. MNPs formed as circular-shape colloidal systems with an aggrandizing tendency for particle number and size and gradually stabilize eventually. Specifically, the major MNPs gradually increased the size from <400 nm to ~1500 nm and accumulated triglycerides and glycoconjugates resulting from lipid oxidation, Maillard reaction, etc. Continuous formation of MNPs in broth progressively facilitated the spatial coalescence and self-assembly of free substances driven by intermolecular interactions, and consequently principal nutrients and flavor compounds further accumulated in the MNPs by the braising process. Hence, this work not only revealed the MNP formation and transformation mechanisms but offered a foundation for investigating MNP-dependent effect on broth flavor.

Design, synthesis, and characterization of hybrid micro‐nano surface coatings for enhanced heat transfer applications

Metal particles coating is extensively used for surface coating a wide range of application including thermal management of electronics, concentrating photovoltaics, sensors and nuclear power plants. Both micro and nano-scale surfaces have been proven to show an enhanced two-phase heat transfer performance by varying surface properties like area, wettability, and roughness. To combine the unique features of both micro and nano-scale surface coatings, this study presents the design, synthesis, and characterization of new hybrid micro-nano scale surface coating by a new two steps approach. Five different types of surfaces; namely, plain nanocoated (PNC), uniform micro-porous (UMP), uniform hybrid micro-nano porous (UHMNP), 2-D modulated microporous (MMP) and modulated hybrid micro-nano (MHMNP) surfaces were fabricated. A new two steps approach of hot-pressing followed by nucleate boiling is used for the fabrication of these surfaces. Successful coating of hybrid micro-nano scale coating was achieved. Considering the critical surface properties of micro and nanoscale coatings, new hybrid micro-nano surfaces have been characterized for SEM, wettability, roughness test. The comparative analysis of these new hybrid coating is also performed with micro coated and uncoated surfaces. With the coating of nanoparticles, the average roughness of PNC surface increased by 4.67 times and that of hybrid micro-nano particle surface by 2.3 times. The deposition of nanoparticles resulted in an increase in contact angle for PNC surface, while the contact angle of hybrid micro-nano surfaces decreases from 126.4° to 82.1°.

Analysis of explosion pressure and residual gas characteristics of micro-nano coal dust in confined space

Abstracts In order to study the explosion characteristics of micro and nano-sized coal dust, a 20L spherical explosion test device was used to compare and analyze the explosion pressure characteristics and residual gas characteristics of five kinds of micro-nano particle dusts of 800 nm, 1200 nm, 45 μm, 60 μm and 75 μm under five concentrations (100 g/m3、250 g/m3、500 g/m3、750 g/m3、1000 g/m3). The results showed that the explosion pressure characteristics were significantly related to the particle size and concentration. The time required for the nano-sized coal dust to reach the maximum explosion pressure was less than the micron. Among the five different coal dust concentrations, the best explosion concentration was 500 g/m3, the maximum explosion pressure of 800 nm coal dust was 0.73 MPa, the maximum explosion pressure rate was 87.37 MPa s−1, and the explosion index Kst was 22.35 MPa m·s−1. The explosion hazard level of nano-sized coal dust was a strong level, while micro-sized coal dust was a weak level. Under the same coal dust concentration, the concentrations of O2, CO2 and CO after the nano-sized coal dust explosion were lower than the micro-sized. When the coal dust concentration is 500 g/m3, the O2 and CO concentrations after 800 nm coal dust explosion are 9.3% and 503 ppm, respectively. However, the concentrations of O2 and CO after the 45 μm coal dust explosion were 10.6% and 2008 ppm. The CO/CO2 ratio after the nano-sized coal dust explosion was less than the micron.

Comparative study of the explosion pressure characteristics of micro- and nano-sized coal dust and methane\u2013coal dust mixtures in a pipe

Coal dust explosion accidents often cause substantial property damage and casualties and frequently involve nano-sized coal dust. In order to study the impact of nano-sized coal on coal dust and methane–coal dust explosions, a pipe test apparatus was used to analyze the explosion pressure characteristics of five types of micro-nano particle dusts (800 nm, 1200 nm, 45 μm, 60 μm, and 75 μm) at five concentrations (100 g/m3, 250 g/m3, 500 g/m3, 750 g/m3, and 1000 g/m3). The explosion pressure characteristics were closely related to the coal dust particle size and concentration. The maximum explosion pressure, maximum rate of pressure rise, and deflagration index for nano-sized coal dust were larger than for its micro-sized counterpart, indicating that a nano-sized coal dust explosion is more dangerous. The highest deflagration index Kst for coal dust was 13.97 MPa/(m·s), indicating weak explosibility. When 7% methane was added to the air, the maximum deflagration index Kst for methane–coal dust was 42.62 MPa/(m·s), indicating very strong explosibility. This indicates that adding methane to the coal dust mixture substantially increased the hazard grade.

Preparation and Characterization of Pentoxyverine Citrate Micro-Nano Particle Aggregations

Micro-nano drug particle aggregations were prepared by shearing emulsification, high pressure homogenization and spray freeze drying, particle formational process and optimization of preparation conditions were analyzed, and micro-morphologies, particle size distributions, aerodynamic properties, release performances, inhalation and deposition properties were characterized. Results show that the optimum condition is drug supersaturation 2 and liquid feeding rate 800 mL/h. Micro morphologies of aggregations are porous spherical foamy structure formed by flaky micro-nano particles. The aggregations obtain both of the advantages of low density and large porous particles and micro-nano superficial particles. Tap density is only 0.062 g mL-1, mass median aerodynamic diameter is 0.93μm, aerosol availability is 59.8%, fine particle fraction is 15.80%, and more than 99% drugs dissolve within 5 min. All above properties are effective for drug delivery and release of DPI.

Provision of micro-nano bacterial cellulose as bio plastic filler by sonication method

Research and development of bioplastic has increased recently as a solution for substitution of conventional plastic which have many negative impacts to environment. However, physical properties and mechanical properties of its still lower than conventional plastic. An alternative solution for that problem is by using fillers that can increase the strength. Bacterial cellulose is considered as potential source for filler, but still need to be explored more. The privileges of bacterial cellulose are easy to get and does not have lignin, pectin, and hemicelluloses which are impurities in other celluloses. This research focused on gaining bacterial cellulose in micro-nano particle form and its impact on increasing the strength of bio plastic. Ultrasonication has been used as method to form micro-nano particle from bacterial cellulose. The result showed this method may form the particle size of bacterial cellulose approximately ± 3μm. Next step, after getting ± 3μm particle of bacterial cellulose, is making bio plastic with casting method by adding 1% of bacterial cellulose, from the total material in making bio plastic. Physical characteristic of the bio plastic which are tensile strength 11.85 MPa, modulus young 3.13 MPa, elongation 4.11% and density 0.42 g/cm3. The numbers of physical properties showwthat, by adding 1% of bacterial cellulose, the strength of bio plastic was significantly increase, even value of tensile strength has complied the international standard for bio plastic.

On utilizing alternating current-flow field effect transistor for flexibly manipulating particles in microfluidics and nanofluidics.

By imposing a biased gate voltage to a center metal strip, arbitrary symmetry breaking in induced-charge electroosmotic flow occurs on the surface of this planar gate electrode, a phenomenon termed as AC-flow field effect transistor (AC-FFET). In this work, the potential of AC-FFET with a shiftable flow stagnation line to flexibly manipulate micro-nano particle samples in both a static and continuous flow condition is demonstrated via theoretical analysis and experimental validation. The effect of finite Debye length of induced double-layer and applied field frequency on the manipulating flexibility factor for static condition is investigated, which indicates AC-FFET turns out to be more effective for achieving a position-controllable concentrating of target nanoparticle samples in nanofluidics compared to the previous trial in microfluidics. Besides, a continuous microfluidics-based particle concentrator/director is developed to deal with incoming analytes in dynamic condition, which exploits a design of tandem electrode configuration to consecutively flow focus and divert incoming particle samples to a desired downstream branch channel, as prerequisite for a following biochemical analysis. Our physical demonstrations with AC-FFET prove valuable for innovative designs of flexible electrokinetic frameworks, which can be conveniently integrated with other microfluidic or nanofluidic components into a complete lab-on-chip diagnostic platform due to a simple electrode structure.